Report: Furyk predicts Woods will return for Masters

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

It's just a guess, but coming from this guy it's an educated one.

Jim Furyk, one of the more thoughtful players on Tour, thinks TigerWoods will return for the Masters this April, according to Gary Smits'report in The Florida Times Union. "If I had to bet, I’d bet we’d see him at Augusta [for the MastersTournament April 8-11]," Furyk said Monday before conducting a clinicat The First Tee of St. Johns County. "Tiger hasn't come out and madeany real public statements, so it’s hard to figure out. Everyone isguessing it will be Augusta. Whether he comes out earlier, or there, Ihave no idea."

Furyk is a frequent playing partner of Woods in international teamevents like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup and always appeared to beone the Tour players closest to the aloof Woods. He said thatWoods should expect a mixed reaction from his peers on Tour when hereturns. "There will be people who probably won’t be as friendly and people whoare," Furyk said. "Tiger probably understands that and realizes thatthe people who he considers his friends will pat him on the back andencourage him. It’s been a real life-changing experience. I’m sureyou’ve seen it with friends and I’ve seen it with friends. Some peopletake sides. He probably expects some people to be pretty cold about itand some will support him and give him encouragement."More Tiger Woods: Special Section | Life in Pictures | SI Covers